This month's weekend film festival consisted of three films from the 1930s by Alexander Korda. Two were pretty darn good, while one was amusing but not great film making. We started with "The Private Life of Henry VIII," starring Charles Laughton as the King. He owns the part, and really makes Henry come to life. He makes the man a 3-dimensional character, showing his strength and weaknesses, and giving a good attempt at making an interesting historical character, well, interesting. This was a break through film for Korda, and is certainly worth a look. Costumes and sets are magnificent.
Charles Laughton is totally amazing in the lead role.
Next came a "biography," The Private Life of Don Juan, from 1934. The film follows the exploits of an ageing hero, one whom young women are not longer attracted to. Part comedy and part drama, the film is watchable, but it is not great cinema. Douglas Fairbanks plays a Don past his prime, but still trying his best to live it up with women. Of course, as to be expected, the film and character are pretty dated. Poor Merle Oberon has to undertake a lengthy, sexy Spanish dance, and cannot pull it off. The costumes and sets are wonderful to see, especially Leporello's outfit. Not essential Korda viewing, but probably likable for Fairbanks fans. He is pretty funny in the role.
Lastly came "Rembrandt," a stunning film by Korda from 1936. Charles Laughton gives an understated but memorable role as the great painter, sadly misunderstood and under-appreciated in his time. How Amsterdam loves him today, though. Especially his rejected and ridiculed painting "The Night Watch." This is a great film, with many scenes recreating famous paintings by Dutch masters of the day, including De Hooch, Steen, and Rembrandt himself. Highly recommended as a start of appreciating one of the truly great artists.
Another very fine performance by Charles Laughton.
All three films are around 90 minutes in length, and easy to view.
Speaking of films, Deb will soon have some incredible news about her web series being accepted by a notable film festival. She will announce the news in a few weeks, but has to keep silent about it for now.
I have managed to make my memorization goals for July! I am happy and impressed with myself. Of course nothing sticks in there without review, review, and more review. It gets more and more complicated the more pieces I add to memory. My August goal is to memorize the incredibly moving 2nd movement of the Haydn Sonata, and the final piece on the program, a Waltz by Brahms.
In Valeria the Vegetarian Vampire news, I have completed writing the first of three sections to the 2nd novel. My main idea for the 2nd novel transpires in the 2nd section, the only part of the story I really have in my mind. It should be fun to write, hopefully getting first draft done this month.
Mapman Mike
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